Luka Doncic scores 51 points in Lakers victory

LeBron James returns to the lineup as the Lakers rout the Chicago Bulls

Mar. 13, 2026 at 11:25am

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Luka Doncic recorded his first 50-point game with the Lakers, scoring 51 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists to lead the Lakers to a 142-130 win over the Chicago Bulls. LeBron James returned from injury and had 18 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. The Lakers jumped into third place in the Western Conference with their seventh win in their last eight games.

Why it matters

Doncic's dominant performance and James' return are significant for the Lakers as they make a push for a higher playoff seed in the Western Conference. The Lakers have been dealing with injuries this season, so getting their star players healthy and playing at a high level is crucial for their postseason aspirations.

The details

Doncic, fueled by trash talk from his opponents, took over the game in the second quarter, scoring 10 consecutive points to spark the Lakers. The Lakers led for most of the game, though the Bulls tied it at the end of the first quarter before the Lakers pulled away. In addition to Doncic's big night, Austin Reaves scored 30 points and Deandre Ayton had 23 points and 10 rebounds.

  • Doncic scored 10 consecutive points in the second quarter to take control of the game.
  • LeBron James returned to the lineup after missing the last three games due to elbow and hip contusions.

The players

Luka Doncic

A six-time NBA All-Star who scored 51 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists to lead the Lakers to victory.

LeBron James

The Lakers' star player who returned from injury and had 18 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists.

Austin Reaves

The Lakers' guard who scored 30 points and reached 5,000 career points.

Deandre Ayton

The Lakers' center who had 23 points and 10 rebounds for his second consecutive double-double.

Chicago Bulls

The Lakers' opponent, who fell to 27-39 on the season.

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What they’re saying

“Somebody started talking to me, so I woke up.”

— Luka Doncic (Los Angeles Times)

The takeaway

Doncic's dominant performance and James' return are positive signs for the Lakers as they look to secure a higher playoff seed in the Western Conference. The team has dealt with injuries this season, so getting their star players healthy and playing at a high level will be crucial for their postseason aspirations.